Witnesses

Synopsis

A police station and hospital in an unnamed city. Present day.

Witnesses, by Lucia Cajchanova, is a tense psychological drama that explores the aftermath of a high-profile crime through the interconnected stories of a Policeman, a Homeless man, and a Doctor. As the investigation unfolds, each character grapples with their own guilt, paranoia, and complicity in a society where the lines between victim and perpetrator are increasingly blurred.

Cajchanova’s play is a stark examination of social responsibility and the fragility of truth in a world of increasing instability. Through a series of rapid-fire interrogations and confessions, the play peels back layers of paranoia, guilt, and mental illness to reveal the complex web of circumstances that lead to acts of violence. The playwright’s use of fragmented dialogue and shifting perspectives creates a disorienting atmosphere that mirrors the characters’ psychological states. Witnesses tackles themes of institutional failure, personal culpability, and the dehumanising effects of bureaucracy on both the vulnerable and those in positions of authority. The play’s structure, alternating between the police station and hospital, highlights the systemic issues that contribute to societal breakdown.